How to Safely Cut Cats Nails?

 

How to Safely Cut Cats Nails?

If there is a domestic animal in which nails are a basic characteristic feature, it is the cat. It would be difficult to imagine our feline companions without these structures since they base many of their daily performances on them.

Therefore, it is normal that you wonder if it is possible to cut a cat's claws and, if possible, to what extent. Luckily, in PET AND HEALTH, we give you all the necessary information when cutting the claws of our feline companions. Pay attention to everything we tell you in this article!

What is a Cat's Nail For?

Before explaining how a cat's nails should be cut, it is necessary to talk about the importance of these structures in our pet's day-to-day life.

When referring to cat nails, the first thing that comes to mind within its functionality is hunting. Although a cat that lives in a home does not exploit these qualities of its claws, the truth is that stray cats survive thanks to the prey they catch.

The greater grip of cats on inclined surfaces is another of the contributions of the nails. That is why cats are such good climbers, something that often does not sit well with the curtains of our houses.

Without a doubt, the claws of these pets are essential because, in addition to what has been said, they also provide balance to the animal. Our cats will walk correctly as long as the care of these structures is ideal.

And if the importance of the nails of our feline companions was still not clear, we add that these are keys for the animal to communicate with its surroundings and with its owners. From the actions they carry out with these structures, cats can transmit multiple messages: fatigue, willingness to attack, tension, relaxation, marking of territory, claiming affection, etc.

Do you want to know the functions of other parts of the feline body? Discover the curiosities of the eyes of cats.

When to Cut a Cat's Nails?

As we have seen in the previous section, the nails of a cat have an outstanding value in the actions that the animal develops throughout its life. For this reason, it is vital that we keep the claws of our feline companion in good condition.

Obviously, we will have to cut our cat's nails when they are long, but how can we verify that they are larger than their corresponding size?

We can detect an unequivocal signal when our cat rests. In this state, the cat's nails are usually hidden, therefore, if even while asleep, the animal's claws protrude, this will allow us to deduce that the nails must be cut.

Other symptoms that our cat's nails are too long can be related to the animal's gait. These structures, when they reach a size greater than ideal, can dig into the cat's own pads, causing certain lameness or some discomfort when walking.

Do you notice that your cat is limping? Examine her nails, she may have them nailed to her pads!

How Much Do I Have to Cut the Nails of Cats?

There is something that we must be clear about when we cut a cat's nails: there is no fixed periodicity. This is so since each feline has a way of using their nails in their day-to-day.

There will be cats that are constantly scratching surfaces to outline and file their claws, in such a way that the time that will pass between cuts will be much greater than that of a feline that scratches less. Observing your cat's nails every so often will let you know when to trim them!

Cutting a Cat's Nails: Steps to Follow

Once we know the most essential information about cat nails, it is time to outline the steps to follow when cutting the claws of our feline companions. Follow the guidelines that we show you care!

- Go to The Veterinarian

To be effective in the cuts that we give our pet in its claws, it is essential to have observed a qualified professional before. If the first time we go to cut the nails of our feline we go to a veterinarian, we can learn the main guidelines to do it correctly and, in this way, we will carry out future nail cuts more effectively and without harming the animal.

Something that the professional will point out to you when it comes to outlining the cat's nails is that you should never cut the most colorful part of the nail, since the blood vessels of these structures are located there. The deep cut in these areas causes our cat to bleed and suffer a lot of pain!

- Get Your Cat Used to Nail Clipping

The best we can do is accustom our feline to the situation of cutting his nails. The area where these structures are located has a high sensitivity, therefore, it is advisable to press lightly on these areas before starting to outline the claws.

If we accompany this pressure with a reward, our feline will associate that feeling in its legs with a positive stimulus, in such a way that when we start to cut its claws a few minutes later, it will make our work much easier.

- Cutting Nails with Care

Once we have gotten used to our cat, it is time to take action. Nail cutting should never be excessive, since otherwise, we will break their blood vessels, causing pain and bleeding in our feline companion.

How not to overdo nail trimming in cats? Looking at the most transparent part of them. This is the area that we must remove so that our cat can use its claws in the best possible way.

PET AND HEALTH always recommend being somewhat conservative when cutting nails. It is preferable to make several minimal cuts without going over them than to make a larger cut that may cause some damage to the animal's blood vessels.

Precautionary Steps to Cut Cats Nails

Trimming a cat's nails requires careful steps to ensure both your safety and the comfort of your feline friend. Here's a guide to follow:

1.    💦 Choose a quiet and calm environment where your cat feels secure.

2.    💦 Familiarize your cat with the process by gently handling its paws beforehand.

3.    💦 Use specialized cat nail clippers or human nail clippers with a straight edge.

4.    💦 Gently hold your cat's paw, applying slight pressure to extend the claws.

1.    💦 Identify the translucent area called the quick and avoid cutting into it to prevent pain and bleeding.

2.    💦 Trim the pointed tip of each nail, ensuring a straight cut and taking breaks if needed.

3.    💦 Offer treats and positive reinforcement throughout the process to associate nail trimming with positive experiences.

4.    💦 If unsure or uncomfortable, consult a veterinarian or professional groomer for guidance and assistance.

Remember, patience and a gentle touch are key to a successful and stress-free nail-trimming session for both you and your cat.

                             Courtesy: pdsa- The Vet Charity for Pets in Need

How to Trim the Nails of a Cat: Anticipation of Possible Problems

Although we act with caution, it is possible that we cut our cat's nails too much. In this case, blood and discomfort in the area will appear in the animal, therefore, we recommend that in this type of situation, you always have a silver nitrate bar or styptic powder at hand.

These materials can be prescribed by your trusted veterinarian and are very useful to calm bleeding in the legs of our feline. However, they do not always manage to end the bleeding of the animal. If you find that these substances do not work, to stop the bleeding, go immediately to a qualified professional!

For situations of this type, it is best to have a veterinarian who will provide you with the maximum guarantees. In PET AND HEALTH, we have a wide range of veterinarians spread throughout the Spanish geography.

In this way, your cat's health will always be monitored and controlled by the best professionals wherever you are. To have all the information about our services, click on the banner that we show you below.

People Also Ask

Is it Necessary to Trim a Cat's Claws?

Trimming a cat's claws every two to three weeks is an integral part of maintaining your pet's health. Trimming a cat's nails is a necessary aspect of their grooming routine. While outdoor cats often wear down their claws naturally, indoor cats rely on their human companions for proper maintenance. Regular claw trimming helps prevent issues such as ingrown nails, excessive scratching, and accidental injuries to people and furniture. Trimming also reduces the likelihood of the cat getting its claws stuck in fabrics or carpets. It is crucial to use cat-specific clippers and techniques to avoid causing pain or injury to the cat.

Is Nail Trimming Painful for Cats?

Nail trimming, when done properly, should not be painful for cats. However, if done incorrectly or too aggressively, it can cause discomfort and even pain. Cutting into the quick, sensitive part of the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels can lead to bleeding and pain. It is crucial to use the right tools and techniques, and to be gentle and patient when trimming a cat's nails to ensure their comfort and well-being. Seeking guidance from a veterinarian or professional groomer can help prevent any potential pain or injury.

At What Point Should I Cut My Cats Nails?

You can tell that it's time to trim your cat's nails when they become long, curved, and extremely sharp. The frequency of nail trimming depends on your cat's activity level and scratching behavior. Generally, cats need their nails trimmed every 2-3 weeks to maintain optimal length and prevent any issues. By keeping a regular schedule for nail trims, you can ensure your cat's claws are well-maintained and minimize the risk of damage caused by scratching.

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